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Laurie Van Horn, BJ '90

What do you do?
I am the communications director for the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park and Winter Park, Colo. Web sites, media relations, crisis communications, brochures, sales meetings, fund-raising projects, messaging for legal counsel, events. You name it.

How did you get your job?
I was working in the for-profit world in Denver, Colo., and the company went through layoffs, yadda yadda. My boss and I were the only ones left out of our group, and we were moved to finance projection roles. What the hell did I know about that? When I began using Excel more than Word, I knew it was time to go. I have long-time ties to the Y, and they were looking for a new person to tackle the job. I guess I was it.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?
If you act like you know what you're doing and where you're going, you will get anywhere you want to be.

What advice do you have for current students?
Ask questions and then listen to the answer; don't be thinking about the next thing you are going to say.

What is your favorite J-School memory?
Having Dean James Atwater for my professor in editorial writing. I credit him with so much of what I learned and who I am. We would have class occasionally at the old Heidelberg (before it burned down). The class was small, and I met the most wonderful people along the way.

Other comments?
I hire only Mizzou interns.